Lipo Battery Cells – Storage and Comparison

Batteries play a huge role in the modern world. They power almost every electronic device out there.

However, their life span is finite. Whether you are using or just storing them, you will eventually have to replace your batteries.

There are many types of batteries today. One of the strongest chemistries is lithium-polymer or just lipo batteries. They are strong both in terms of capacity and durability.

When it comes to storage, you can greatly impact the battery's lifespan with how you store them. It's crucial that you set them in an environment that is conducive.

Our focus today is on the storage of lipo batteries. We shall also be comparing them to lithium-ion ones.

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How to Store lipo batteries

?Lipo batteries are rechargeable batteries of lithium-ion technology. The batteries use a polymer electrolyte in place of a liquid one. These batteries show very high conductivity.

These batteries carry higher specific energy compared to other lithium-based batteries. They are much newer on the market. Hence, most people don't really understand them well.

?Battery storage is a crucial aspect of ensuring durability. Understand that every battery, even these strong lipo cells, does have a shelf-life. The environment in which you store them will have an adverse effect on their durability.

So, what is the best way to store lipos? Let's find out.

Preparation

Before storing these batteries, there as several things you need to understand. It might be worrying to see certain things happening to the batteries.

If your battery remains more than 60% after your last flight, it's normal. The battery is programmed with an automatic discharge to a recommended level according to the number of storage days.

If you will be using the battery briefly, for example, when traveling, it's advisable that you discharge it to about 60 or 80 percent.

In case you are storing the battery for a long time, you should discharge it to about 40 to 60 percent. This will take the battery safely through 10 to 90 days of storage.

How to Store

Here are some of the factors to consider for proper storage of lipos.

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Voltage

A lipo battery comes charged when new. A storage voltage is partial. It's about 3.0V for lipos because the battery works better at this rate. Also, the battery will lose efficiency and energy capacity much slower at this rate.

Cell Voltage

Voltages of 3.2 to 4.2 are good for lipo battery usage. Anything below 3.2v or above 4.2 will damage the battery. You can start storage when the battery is at 3.8v. That is the storage charge.

Battery Cells

Battery cells for lipos come in different sizes. It mostly depends on what you want to. Some batteries are larger, while others are smaller. Balancing charging and storage for these batteries is crucial to their health and lifespan.

Attend to Your Batteries

Improper storage is one of the biggest issues that affect lipo batteries. During storage, many people often assume that their batteries are safe. But that is never the truth.

Lipos can be damaged if you leave them sitting fully charged for more than a week. But this does not mean they will always get damaged.

Internal resistance increases in a battery that has been stored for more than a month. This can lead to a decrease in performance and heat.

Therefore, you must attend to your stored batteries regularly. Keep them in check, making sure they have the right charge at all times.

Temperature

Lipos don't tolerate extreme temperature. Heat and cold as the number one enemies of the batteries.

High temperatures can cause damage to the batteries, while freezing temperatures may cause them to lose performance.

Consider optimum temperature. Store your batteries at room temperature and put them in proper containers. Always put the batteries in a fireproof container before storing them.

Proper Storage at Home

When storing lipo batteries at home:

Do monthly check

Keep them outside your house

Check for damages on the batteries before using

Have a fire extinguisher ready

Use a fireproof bag

Keep them in a cool, well-ventilated area

Keep them away from flammable objects

When Traveling

Traveling with lipo batteries is not very easy. TSA has standards and regulations set in place that every traveler must follow.

It's crucial to put the extra batteries in a safety bag. There are lipo storage bags of different sizes. Do not use these flight cases for long-term storage of the batteries.

Lithium Polymer vs. Lithium-Ion

The main difference between lipo and li-ion batteries is their electrolytes. In li-ion, it's liquid, while in lipo, it's a dry solid, gel-like component.

Here are other factors used in comparing the two technologies.

Price

Lithium-ion batteries are much cheaper. You can get the lowest-priced battery at more than half the price of a lipo.

Versatility

Lipos win the race when it comes to versatility. They come in so many shapes, and no one can tell just how many can be made. The batteries can be molded easily into different shapes for use in different items.

Power Can Capacity

Both batteries are known for offering power in high-power-demand uses. However, li-ions perform better than lipos in many situations.

Weight

Lipos have a more robust nature and are lighter. Because of their solid electrolyte, they are less likely to have leakage issues.

Safety

Li-ion batteries are more likely to collapse under certain conditions. The elements can easily get in contact, causing serious damage. Lipos, on the other hand, are much safer.

Life Span and Self-discharge

Li-ions have a relatively higher life span. However, they are more likely to lose their storage capacity with time. Lipos have a more concise life cycle.

lipo battery Voltage

Voltage is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right battery. You will mostly see voltages as 'nominal voltage,' one of the main selling areas for manufacturers.

In lithium polymer, you can expect to get 3.7v and 4.2v. In this case, the maximum voltage is 4.2 while the least is 3.7.

The voltage will drop with time as the battery is used or stored until it reaches around 3.0V. It's crucial to ensure that your battery does not drop beyond 3.2 or charge more than 4.2.